ConsumerLab.com Finds Arsenic in Testing of Potassium Supplements -- Safer Choices Identified. Many Americans May Need More Potassium

White Plains, New York, November 15, 2016 — During a recent analysis of potassium supplements sold in the U.S. and Canada, ConsumerLab.com discovered significant contamination with the toxic heavy metal arsenic in pills from one brand. Although the FDA has not established a limit for arsenic contamination in supplements, the amount found exceeds California's limit for reproductive health -- above which a warning label is required, and is just below that state's threshold for a cancer warning. A daily serving contained more arsenic than the U.S. EPA permits in a full liter of drinking water. None of the other products were found to be contaminated with arsenic, lead or cadmium.

Among the products which passed contamination testing and contained the listed amounts of potassium, ConsumerLab.com identified several as its Top Picks, some of which sell for as little as little as 2 cents for a 99 mg dose of potassium. Ironically, the contaminated supplement was the most expensive product, underscoring the fact that higher price does not assure supplement quality -- as demonstrated in other reviews by ConsumerLab.com.

Potassium is essential for functioning of the nervous, skeletal, and cardiovascular systems. It can be easily obtained through the diet, although it was recently reported that average intake by Americans may not be adequate. Certain drugs, such as diuretics, or conditions affecting the kidneys or gut may cause potassium deficiencies which require supplementation. Magnesium supplementation may also be helpful when correcting potassium deficiency. In people who consume too much sodium, potassium may help reduce hypertension.

Potassium supplement quality ratings and ingredient comparisons are now available in ConsumerLab.com's Potassium Supplements Review (https://www.consumerlab.com/reviews/potassium_supplements_review/potassium/). The review includes clinical information regarding the use of potassium such as dosage, drug interactions, and side effects. It also provides information about food sources of potassium. It explains how to avoid being misled by supplement names and labels and differences among forms of potassium (e.g., potassium chloride, potassium gluconate, and potassium citrate).

Products covered in the Review are BulkSupplements.com Potassium, Country Life Magnesium Potassium Aspartate, CVS/pharmacy Potassium Gluconate 595 mg, DaVinci Laboratories of Vermont Potassium Aspartate+, Member's Mark [Sam's Club] Potassium, Natural Factors Potassium Citrate, Nature's Bounty Potassium Gluconate, Nature's Sunshine Combination Potassium, NOW Potassium Chloride Powder, PipingRock.com Potassium Citrate, Puritan's Pride Potassium, Rexall [Dollar General] Potassium, Solaray Potassium, Solgar Potassium, Swanson Ultra Potassium Citrate, Vitacost Potassium & Magnesium and Vitamin World Potassium 99 mg.

Founded in 1999, ConsumerLab.com is a leading provider of consumer information and independent evaluations of products that affect health and nutrition. Membership to ConsumerLab.com is available online and provides immediate access to reviews of more than 1,000 products from over 400 brands. The company is privately held and based in Westchester, New York. It has no ownership from, or interest in, companies that manufacture, distribute, or sell consumer products.



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